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A NEW REPORT on racism and intolerance has expressed disappointment at continued racial profiling.
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) have said that the continued requirement that non-Irish nationals produce identity documents “had a discriminatory effect on the basis of individuals’ colour.”
This was despite a High Court ruling in 2011 which said that legislation to enforce this was unconstitutional.
The report believed that the closure of the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) in 2008 had made this issue worse.
Concerned for the loss of the “bridge between authorities and the civil society”, the ECRI believed that its “unique reporting system about racist incidents were lost”.
The latest monitoring report also said that Ireland’s travelling community continued to “face significant challenges” where adequate accommodation was concerned, including inadequate space for their caravans and mobile homes.
Those attending school in Ireland, and for whom English is not their first language, are prime candidates for English language assistance.
Despite this, funding to the Integrate Ireland Language and Training centres had been withdrawn.
Progress since 2007
Today’s report, the fourth in a series and the first since 2007, noted that progress continued to be made by the Equality Tribunal.
It also said that the setting up of the Office of the Press Ombudsman and the Press Council had helped to prevent the publication of materials “intended or likely to to cause grave offence or stir up hatred”.
Workers rights had also been given greater monitoring and enforcement with the 2007 establishment of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA).
Recommendations
The report urged authorities to monitor how immigrants are treated, especially in respect of the Immigration Acts of 2003 and 2004, and that consideration should be given to prohibiting, through legislation, any form of racial profiling.
In also recommended that an independent authority, which would operate separate of Ireland’s courts, should be created to deal with cases of discrimination in the provision of goods and services.
Further action was also required in order to ensure that housing met the needs of travellers, while educational systems should be improved in order to ensure that all children of “immigrant origin” had access to education, including higher education.
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Why don’t Travellers sort out their own housing needs by maybe paying for it like everyone else and contributing to society rather than constantly leeching of the general population…problem solved. Next Question…..
Exactly, Jimmy. If people have a problem with travellers, they have it for a reason. It seems to me that travellers have an attitude that they are owed everything. They are Irish citizens like the rest of us & get on with it. They seem to take everything & contribute absolutely nothing in return. My own personal sympathy for them is zero. That goes for anyone else who thinks the world owes them something just because they are here. So – is it any wonder people do “profile” some ?
Next time you think about writing something. Check your self , “”Irish history , man you are not smart like you sound you need to ready your bible
its interesting how the ECRI report believes our Gardai are “racial profiling” without any factual evidence or basis.
….. is this not Racial Profiling in itself , I mean the ECRI seem to be making sweeping comments about one race of people without hard evidence.
this is typical of organisations lke ECRI get in first and tie the Gardas hands to prevent them catching migrant fraudsters just let them concentrate on native fraudsters because they have no pressure groups like the biased ECRI to help them defraud with impunity
You could not make this stuff up ! Is it not discrimatory in itself to have an organisation that makes sure that a minority that are already very well represented have suitable housing and space for their caravans while the rest of us struggle to pay our way ? Who is representing me ? And of course who pays for the geniuses that thought this tripe up ?
It is almost reaching the point where it is against the law, to speak the uncomfortable truth.
In general the things which distinguish ‘travellers’ from the rest of us is their far, far greater propensity toward violence, multi-generational welfare abuse, stealing, littering, drunken violence, fraud, etc. etc.
‘qualities’ which, lets face it, are all bad…
I see racial profiling work all the time. On the Luas for example anytime I’m on it and a Roma gypsy gets on 9 out of ten times the rail security checks them for a ticket and most of the time they don’t have it. People who complain about racial profiling obviously have something to hide.
Phil, did you not know that if 9 out of 10 do wrong and you kick them off the Luas you are right. But you ask the 10th politely for their ticket and they have it they are entitled to scream and shout that you are racist.
Sorry number 10 but if the rest of your buddies are wrongdoers then I am entitled to question you as well provided I do it in a correct manner.
You don’t like it then bring pressure to bear on the rest if your criminal associates.
“People who complain about racial profiling obviously have something to hide”
One of the dumbest things I’ve ever read on here, and that’s saying something! The world’s top human rights advocacy groups, and the EC have something to hide then… as they’re complaining about profiling in this case?
The Journal has become worse than the Daily Mail with the comments being posted recently.
“People willing to trade their freedoms for some temporary security; deserve neither, and will lose both”
Please. .. Help me understand. .. How are Travelers a minority? Aren’t Travelers Irish? Are they minorities because of an inter-generational decision to isolate themselves from the general public. Their choice not to intergrate into society? Or when given the choice to balance their cultural identity with that of the rest of Ireland they refuse?
What defines these people as a minority class?
“What defines these people as a minority class?”
A “minority”, because there are less if them.
A “class”, because their requirements are well defined & consistent.
Excellent questions Marlon.
It seems they define themselves as a minority.
In the UK “Irish travellers” have ethnic minority status, therefore they believe it should be the same here.
They are Irish citizens. Plain & simple. It would be a huge mistake to grant them “minority class”.
Sooo…. Now… I’m playing the Devil’s Advocate here….. But…. As a naturilized Irish citizen, of African-Irish-Native American-German Heritage…. Should I be considered a minority class… Therefore, recieve the same benefits of an Adult of the Traveling Community….
Just curious????????????
They are a separate ethnic group of Irish people with their own language and culture.
?arlon, you are a minority but youre not Irish regardless of what passport you have so no, you shouldnt get any special treatment. Theres nothing wrong with the irish trying to get the irish travellers to integrate but assimilation is something we shouldnt be hoping for.
Please note… My intention from my previous question(s) is not that I want to receive preferential treatment or entitlements. I was fortunate to be able to move to Ireland with a wealth of skills, work experience and resources.
Again, my previous question was taking the role of the Devil’s Advocate.
“Their choice not to intergrate into society?”
That’s a bit general is it not, Marlon? Many of them do want to integrate with wider society. I think you’ll find that wider society tends to have a problem with that though. You just have to look at how many people celebrated the recent comments by Councillors regarding not wanting travellers living near them. Hell, many people even lauded the fact that house was burned down last week.
Anyone that doesn’t see that bigotry exists is either deluded, or just plain stupid.
mart_n… I am posing questions. “Their choice not to intergrate into society?” Is a question… Is their choice? Is it society’s choice? Is it a Traveler’s cultural choice? Could intergration be related to the Traveler’s stance on education?
I do not question there is bigotry in the world. However, I have learned from personal experience that bigotry can be held to a limited amount with a strong outreach education program directed at all.
They are a separate ethnic group? What? They are Irish the travelers, they come from the same exact people as us. Why are you telling Marlon he’s not Irish? He is an Irish citizen and has Irish ancestry. How is he not Irish? I am Irish born, half-Irish by blood and have been told “I am not Irish”, what utter bullshit. Your clearly racist, Tommy.
So asking somebody if they are Irish is discrimination? That is the loosest definition ever.
Housing meet the needs of travelers. We cant even do that for the general population. The majority of us are up to our eyeballs in negative equity . We cant even move house and we barely able to keep our houses. Mortgage time bomb is getting closer to 0 and it will make the bank debt look like a simple issue.
How can housing meet the needs of travellers?
Easily free housing and a garage port to park the carvan next to it.
Theres nothing wrong with asking someone for identity papers when it comes to employment. How else are you meant to know if theyre here legally or if they are who they say they are.
As an Australian living in Ireland for 13 years, married to an Irish lady and having 2 children, this report would indicate that I should feel lucky that I have not been subject to racial abuse or profiling. What a load of sh1t…
Yes, I have to present to the local Garda station every 2 years to retain my privilege to live and work here. Yes, I’ve had my fingerprints taken. Yes, my family has to come with me and answer questions to prove we are still married and living together. Yes, I meet the requirements to apply for citizenship due to being married for the last 8 years but we simply do not have the €950 handy to pay for it. I see all of the above as legal and necessary steps to retain the privilege of living here in Ireland with my family, not racial profiling.
I have been unemployed, we have a mortgage in arrears on a house in negative equity, we struggle like everyone else to pay bills and put food on the table, not because I am a ‘non-national’ (even though I do have a nationality), but because we are part of an economy that is struggling.
IMHO, profiling is certainly not confined to relating to travellers and foreign nationals – just ask people from Cork, or Kerry, or D4, or Limerick City, or unemployed people, or civil servants….. It cannot therefore be racial if Irish profile Irish in the same way.
James…. I know what you mean. Been there… Done that!
However, I hate the racial profiling that I have been confronted with by individuals. Because of my colour, some have chosen to be rude, abrupt and some cases abusive. However, when I speak and they realize that I have an American accent…. The individual’s demeanour changes greatly.
Thank god that this doesn’t happen too often. But it can put a kink in the day.
James my heart goes out to you.
I can only imagine what you have seen and heard Marlon…
I am lucky that the worst I have been subject to is being mistaken for being English due to my Aussie-Irish hybrid accent… The standard question when meeting someone is ‘What part of England are you from?’… My standard answer is ‘The Australian bit’… What can you do only laugh it off? :)
I was mistaken for being English in Aus plus most Aussies seem to think Ireland is part of the UK. Hardly worth getting upset over! Id be more upset if they thought I was American! We dont like those much!
James.. There has been at least one serious encounter. However, when it happens. .. I’m left stunned in disbelief. Often unable to react or respond. Good or bad… I was taught never to judge a book by its cover… Especially, if I don’t want to be judged by my cover.
Oh well… Such as life! Hence me believing in Karma!
Good luck to you!
Marlon. Sorry to hear about your negative experiences, You are a text book example of the kind of immigrants we should be attracting to this country – Honest, Hard Working, willing to integrate into Irish Society!
Unfortunately due to the rampant abuse of our immigration rules by certain groups,( who concidently mostly hail from a particular country in West Africa) has led to many Irish people feeling angry at our hospitality been abused. These people chose not to partake in the usual channels of immigration (visa processes) but instead opted to abuse the asylum system or had anchor babies, over stay on tourist visas in order to remain, completely disrespecting our immigration rules
I think overall you will find we Irish are tolerant, welcoming and friendly! I hope your experiences of Ireland will be more positive than negative!
Is it there culture to sponge off the rest of us . That we have to respect .
Cue a lot of people moaning about political correctness “gone mad”.
Political correctness with “mental health issues” I think you mean
So you don’t think it hasn’t “gone mad” yet, Damo? You’re having a laugh!
It is about what is in our hearts, not what is in our pockets. Compassion, tollerance and respect cost nothing.
Gerry – respect is a virtue that is earned. It is not automatic just because of who u are.
You idiots! It’s the yodelling dudes that are stealing our beer and drinking our women!
Ireland is now one of the most racist countries in the world. Especially after reading all these bigoted comments in this site re Travellers. Glad I live in the north ;)
The north… a utopia of social harmony and integration
Ah ye Northern Irish ‘Loyalists’ are beacons of tolerance and acceptance!
I remember being discriminated against in N Ireland when I visited during the Troubles, Mark. I had people in shops serve me & not look me face to face with no thank you or please. Just take my money & I may as well just feck off seemed to be the attitude. So – anyine from N Irl can’t afford to throw stones in that regard. Just pure bigotry, imo. Ireland is not racist but our experience of certain people from certain countries have taught us that not everyone who comes to the ROI is genuine. People express that & suddenly we are all “racists” ??!! I always said that if one has to throw the “r” card, you have no argument.
Well, there you guys go with labelling all the people of the north as intolerant or bigoted. Proves my point that not only immigrants, established minority ethnic groups (which includes Travellers) get it, but ur closest neighbours and kinsman. Can you honestly say that Ireland is any better than what you think of the north? The rest of the world don’t think so. Stereotyping of any groups is ignorant and just stupidity. Sure its only been recently cool to be Irish over the past decade or so as Irish people have and still do to a certain extent been labelled drunks, violent, thick and lazy. To quote Albert Einstein … “Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment” I think that just sums up a lot of people in Ireland right there.
@Mark, so you say Ireland is racist, that’s just what…? Making an observation?
But when someone says the same thing about the North, that’s suddenly over-generalisation and bigotry. Wonderfully consistent logic.
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance should be abolished.
Ireland is not a racist country!! Get a grip…… Everyone of the immigrants are getting an easy ride in this country, they have the best of welfare,housing and the blue card!!!! Click their fingers and they get anything they want……… When they want!!!!! If you want to see racism in all its glory, go to Eastern Europe or parts of America or even Australia!!!! See how hard it is to live on the system in these countries!
I’m an immigrant and, as you will see from my comments above, I have received none of the things you speak of… Perhaps you should clean the tar off your brush? Or does your inaccurate statement not apply to me cos I ‘is’ white?…..
BS
I am moroccan living in ireland for the past 11 years to be honest i never experience racisme in this country
Where in Ireland do you live? Craggy island?
I wonder what the Government would wish for to take the slack off them over the continuous messes they are creating. Possibly those affected blaming another group of affected people for their woes? Divide and conquer – alive and well in Ireland if one is to take the general tone of these comments as representative of the bigger picture.
Oh and this comment:
“Unfortunately due to the rampant abuse of our immigration rules by certain groups,( who coincidently mostly hail from a particular country in West Africa) has led to many Irish people feeling angry at our hospitality been abused. These people chose not to partake in the usual channels of immigration (visa processes) but instead opted to abuse the asylum system or had anchor babies, over stay on tourist visas in order to remain, completely disrespecting our immigration rules”
is basically saying that Nigerians abuse our asylum system by having babies over here. I have heard the same rhetoric from the BNP, the DRM and every barstool bigot who can’t look past their own privilege. No wonder this country is in the state it is if people are more concerned in blaming things on travellers and Nigerians.
What? The EU wants us to stop being racist? The bloody cheek! Whatever next?
James, you could be aboriginal for all I know or care! All I’m saying is Ireland is not a racist country!!! All immigrants are well treated here, black, white, Asian or whatever! No tar on my brush!!!! If you can’t afford to pay for your citizenship, just go to your local politican and plead your case……… I heard we can pay for that as well!!!!
Mate, your stated opinion made reference to immigrants getting the best of everything. I am merely pointing out that being an immigrant, I have not received the best of anything except the exact same opportunity to succeed as every other resident of this country.
I would not ask for, and certainly would not expect or accept the State paying for the cost of my citizenship.
Fair play to ya pal! It would be great if they were all like you!
So who here has been subject to racial profiling?
Once in Israel, for a “random” security check
And how did it make you feel to be treated with suspicion based entirely how you looked or dressed or sounded?
It was predictable, the security girl stopped me for a random search, she had the planes manifest with three big circles around Irish people, but of course it was just random. Immigration people where quite nice though.
Haven’t been racially profiled, but have been used to make up the numbers on the other side of the ledger. I’ve seen old ladies being used for the same.
Me, in the UK, arriving from Ireland in the 1990s.
I suppose nowerdays if the IRA started up again, they’d have to look for IRA suspects among Afro-Caribbean on flights from Jamaica.
I have. As a white, English speaking person with a European passport I am profiled as low risk on a daily basis. This is pure evil though. I should be hassled just as much as people who do commit more crimes, statistically.
Reality stops where my feelings begin!
The ability to philosophically rationalize the feelings we might have regarding abuse we personally have experienced, and to determine not to pass on the same hurt when we have the upper hand, is a learned ability; a hugely valuable skill.
Are children forced to learn Irish and religion in school? Do we as a nation not speak English yet we are forced to pay for Irish tv and Irish language in all aspects of day to day life. It’s a minority againg dictating. Even the census form was scripted to distort the findings.
If you’re against a minority dictating, when why are you against Religion in schools? A vast majority of people have a Religion…
“It also said that the setting up of the Office of the Press Ombudsman and the Press Council had helped to prevent the publication of materials “intended or likely to to cause grave offence or stir up hatred”.”
Comments = irony overload.
Racial profiling should be prohibited. But Travellers are NOT a race.
White Irish people are the same “race” as all other white Western Europeans, including travellers!!!!
An ethnic group (a status which they were also recently denied) does not a race make.
have your say